UH Hilo’s Jarvi publishes latest Rat Lungworm research, explains disease in new video

Dr. Susan Jarvi

The latest scientific research on Rat Lungworm Disease by a University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy faculty member was recently published in a reader-friendly format targeted for educators, healthcare professionals and the general public in an effort to increase public awareness of the disease and how to minimize risks of contracting it.

Dr. Susan Jarvi, professor of pharmaceutical sciences, is the lead editor, along with associate Kay Howe, of Informational Briefs from the 6th International Workshop on Rat Lungworm Parasites, a 40-page publication featuring research on a variety of topics related to this parasite and the disease it causes.

“This modified version of the scientific papers published in the journal Parasitology (Vol 148:2 Feb 2021) provides the same information in a condensed, more reader-friendly format,” Jarvi explained. “It was done with the full support of journal editors at Cambridge University Press.”

Rat Lungworm, a disease that has sickened nearly 100 people on Hawaiʻi Island over the past decade, is caused by a parasitic nematode found in the pulmonary arteries of rats. It is commonly transmitted to humans when first-stage parasites in rat feces are eaten by snails or slugs, which then develop and are accidentally ingested by humans on unwashed produce or in water.

“Research on ways to reduce human risk of infection is also critical, including mechanisms and tools to better educate the public,” Jarvi said. “That’s why we felt it was important to share the results of these scientific studies with the general population in a less technical, more accessible format.”

Jarvi’s latest publication is the result of cutting-edge research summarized by scientists from eight countries who presented their findings at a workshop in January 2020 in Hilo, Hawaiʻi.

Jarvi, who also serves as head of the Hawaiʻi Island Rat Lungworm Working Group, said the international workshops are held every two to three years and are crucial for advancing research and knowledge not only about diagnosis and treatment of the disease, but on research relating to infection and transmission levels in humans, as well as the expanding range of infection in non-human species.

The publication can be accessed online at: http://dspace.lib.hawaii.edu/handle/10790/6170.

Jarvi also created a new video where she describes Rat Lungworm and the associated disease. The video is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSe6d7NDt6Y.

Jarvi and Howe provide a new online education program on the prevention of Rat Lungworm Disease. The 1¼-hour course provides current information on the parasite’s lifecycle and how to reduce risk of infection. It’s available to the public and includes continuing education credits for healthcare professionals. Learn more about the program at the Jarvi Lab website: https://pharmacy.uhh.hawaii.edu/research/jarvi-lab.